Viagra Side Effects

Viagra Side Effects

First off, Viagra is a drug used to treat medical conditions of male sexual functions and it is also used to boost sexual performance. The drug is used to treat problems like erectile dysfunction and impotence. Of course, it is very effective. That is why it is very popular.

The main active ingredient in Viagra is known as Sildenafil. This substance increases blood flow to the penis and this helps to get and retain erection when there is sexual arousal.

Does it have side effects?

Despite the efficacy of Viagra, it also has several side effects. This is why it is not advisable to take it without consulting your physician. This is because your doctor will compare the overall benefits with the risks involved before prescribing it for you. However, it is not a big deal as most of the side effects are mild issues that usually fizzle out after a short while.

Here are the common side effects of taking Viagra

While there are numerous side effects, only a very few of them are common and they are hot flush or flushed skin, color distortion, blurred vision, visual disturbance, nasal congestion, nausea, stomach upset, dizziness, and headache.

At this juncture, it is important to state that the side effect is a possibility since not every user of the drug encounters the side effects. In fact, it is safe to say only 1 out of every 10 people get to encounter at least one of the side effects.

Usually, these side effects don’t last for long. They usually fizzle out in no time. However, if you encounter any of them and it begins to get worse, you need to consult your doctor quickly.

Viagra side effects that are not so common

Apart from the common side effects, there are several other uncommon side effects. Each of them occurs about once in every one hundred cases. Some of them are traces of blood in urine, both numbness and hypersensitivity to different kinds of pain, chest pain, regular tiredness, aching muscles, sudden change in blood pressure, increase in heartbeat rate, bleeding nose, vertigo, pain in the eye, blurred vision, double vision, bloodshot eyes, skin rashes, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Apart from all the side effects outlined above, there are other more serious medical conditions that have been linked to the use of Viagra. They occur very rarely so their frequency cannot be ascertained. Some of the dangerous conditions linked to Viagra are severe allergic reaction, blistering skin, flaking of the skin, stroke, seizure, heart attack, irregular heartbeat and painful and protracted erection.

You should see your doctor if you experience any of the side effects. However, there could also be a mere coincidence so you should not just conclude that your seizure or any other condition was caused by Viagra because you take the medication.

How long do these effects last?

While side effects do not last generally, their duration may vary among individuals. The side effects usually occur at the initial stage. This means that if you don’t encounter any effect at the initial stage, you may never encounter any side effects. On the other hand, side effects usually stop immediately you stop taking the drug. When any side effect continues, you should stop taking the drug and also seek medical attention.

Drugs to avoid while taking Viagra

Sometimes, some drugs react dangerously with each other and it will take its toll on your health, so there are several drugs to avoid while taking Viagra. First off, you must not just involve your doctor before taking Viagra, you must also discuss your medical history with him.

When taking Viagra, you must stay away from medicines used for liver and kidney failure, alpha blockers, some drugs used for stroke, and drugs for heart diseases. Recreational drugs can also react fatally with Viagra, so you should avoid them when taking Viagra. Nitrate-based drugs should be avoided too.

Tips on how to lower the chances of encountering any side effect

To avoid getting dizzy or having head rush, cultivate the habit of getting up slowly from your bed and from a sitting position. Alcohol reduces the efficacy of Viagra and delays its effect, so you should reduce your alcohol consumption. If the side effects do not stop after a while, you may need to lower your Viagra dosage. While it is better for you to take Viagra on an empty stomach to get maximum efficacy, taking it with food will reduce the chances of encountering any side effects and it will also reduce the efficacy of the drug. So, you need to find the best balance for your body.